Missouri man ruled incompetent for dismemberment trial

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. (AP) - A judge says a northeast Missouri man accused of stabbing and dismembering an elderly neighbor is not competent to stand trial.

Adair County Prosecuting Attorney Matt Wilson says a judge found 49-year-old Paul R. Potter of Kirksville incompetent for trial after he underwent a psychiatric evaluation.

Potter faces first-degree murder and other charges in the January death of 74-year-old Willis Edward Meredith. Prosecutors say Potter stabbed Meredith, chopped up his body and started fires to try to conceal the crimes. He is also accused of throwing the victim's arms at witnesses before his arrest.